Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day following opposition uproar over several issues, including alleged police action during students’ protest over NEET issue.
When the House reassembled after the first adjournment at 12 noon, Chairman C P Radhakrishnan took up Question Hour amid opposition uproar. Amid din, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw tried to reply to a question related to installation of Kavach and signalling system in Railways but could not complete his answer. As the pandemonium continued, the Chairman adjourned the House for the day to meet again at 11:00 AM on Monday.
Earlier, when the House met at 11 AM, Chairman C P Radhakrishnan said that 9th of August marks the 84th Anniversary of the Quit India Movement, which was launched under the visionary leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Paying homage to the martyrs of country’s freedom struggle, Mr Radhakrishnan recalled their unparalleled courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the nation’s independence. He observed that the Quit India Movement remains a defining milestone in India’s freedom movement, inspiring generations with the ideals of patriotism, unity and selfless service to the nation.
The Rajya Sabha also paid its tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and to the freedom fighters and martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for India’s independence. The House also observed silence in honour of the freedom fighters and martyrs.
After that, the Ministers laid papers on the table of the House. The reports of the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Commerce, and Health and Family Welfare were tabled in the House. Later Mr Radhakrishnan took up Zero Hour amid opposition uproar. Some of the members raised issues of urgent importance. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge again demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah should come to the House and make a statement over alleged police action during students’ protest.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has rejected the allegations of Mallikarjun Kharge, saying that no direction has been issued by the Chair to any Minister to come to the House. Mr Rijiju said that only those Ministers make a reply in the House when the business is listed of the concerned Ministry.
He accused the Opposition of misleading the countrymen by placing wrong facts. Mr Rijiju said, though the Opposition walked out of the House after sloganeering, Home Minister Shah remains present in Parliament from morning till late night. However, due to continued sloganeering, the Chairman adjourned the House till 12 noon.
